Discover the events leading up to the the founding of the University of Iowa Ophthalmology Department and the remarkable journey of Dr. Cecil Starling O'Brien, from his early days in Indiana to becoming the first head of the ophthalmology department at the University of Iowa. Follow his path through military service, groundbreaking medical advancements, and his dedication to ophthalmology that shaped his legacy in Iowa City.

Look back on a timeline of events that shaped the University of Iowa Ophthalmology Department. Read the story of Dr. C.S. O'Brien's founding of the University of Iowa's Ophthalmology Residency Program that quickly became one of the best training environments in the country. His rigorous approach, including daily lectures, strict routines, and hands-on surgical training, produced many renowned ophthalmologists.

Between 1935 and 1944, the University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology, led by Dr. Cecil Starling O'Brien, saw major advancements in clinical practice, research, and education. Dr. O'Brien, elected as a director of the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1937, recruited key figures like illustrator Lee Allen, biochemist Peter Salit, and microbiologist Phillips Thygeson, enhancing the department’s expertise. The department outgrew its original space, leading to expansion plans by 1946. Dr. O'Brien also established a rigorous residency program and initiated morning rounds, which became a cornerstone of training. By the end of this period, the department had solidified its reputation as a leader in ophthalmology.